The Steelers came back then blew the game.
The Steelers kept it close and took the lead in the fourth quarter and then forced Jameis Winston to turn it over with less than five minutes remaining. This played into the Steelers usual plan for success. It wasn’t to be, a leaky defense, crazy weather and suspect play calling kept the Steelers from tightening their grip on first place in the AFC North and gave the Browns the 24-19 win.
It was a strange game in none of the units played poorly, but all the units made key mistakes and errors that would eventually cost the Steelers the game.
The Steelers defense had a strong start to the game, forcing several three-and-outs and keeping the Browns offense in check. However, they struggled to contain the Browns late in the game, allowing them to score the game-winning touchdown with 57 seconds remaining.
The defense allowed the Browns to go four for four on fourth down conversions. T.J. Watt was handled effectively and shutout in sacks. The defensive line was tough, but shrunk on the weighty downs. Despite holding the Browns to under 100 yards on the ground they had no push up front. The defense finished with just one sack by Nick Herbig.
The Steelers’ offense struggled in yesterday’s snowy game against the Browns. Despite some explosive plays, including a 46-yard completion to Calvin Austin III, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Penalties, including a false start on a potential field goal attempt, hindered their progress.
Overall, the offense lacked consistency and struggled to sustain drives in the challenging weather conditions. While Russell Wilson had some solid moments, the team’s inability to finish drives proved costly. Wilson finished with 21-28 for 270 yards and a touchdown. The Justin Fields experiment was exciting but had mixed results. He finished 0-1 passing and the miss was costly. Fields missed a long pass play to George Pickens and the Steelers were forced to punt. Fields rushed for 26 yards on the ground.
The special teams had a rough night in their loss to the Browns. If last week was Corliss Waitman’s best game as a Steeler, last night was his worst. A short punt by Waitman set the Browns up in Steelers territory, setting up the game-winning drive. Chris Boswell missed his first field goal attempt a 58-yard in the snow. He hit his next two attempts including a 48-yarder.
The play calling was suspect yesterday on offense and it cost the Steelers, going 1-3 on fourth downs hurt.
The Steelers will have a little over a week to recover and make this look like a blip on the radar.
BEER WE GO, STEELERS BEER WE GO.
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Calvin Austin III, who led the team in receiving and scored a go-ahead touchdown that didn’t stick. Also Considered: Nick Herbig for his big play strip sack.
Beer of the Game: I went with Smithwicks 16-ounce pounders, one of my favorite beers. KGB stayed with wine which she had with dinner, and we had our oldest guy over for the game.
“Steel the Snacks”: KGB made mini corned beef sandwiches on marble rye with pierogies and hot mustard a Cleveland staple. They came in handy, and the Steelers dominated the third quarter.
My stat of the week: .000 winning percentage Mike Tomlin’s winning percentage for Thursday AFC North away games. It is an alarming statistic. The Steelers have struggled in these games, the schedule makers did them no favors by having a Thursday away game after a battle against the Ravens. After years of dominance the Steelers have now lost five of six games at Huntington Bank Field.
My thoughts on next week: The Steelers will have just over a week to prepare for the Bengals, who play well enough to lose every week. This is a must win otherwise the press and fans will start to believe this season was a fluke to start.
Jersey of the Week: Ernie Stautner, #70 Home Black, the godfather of Steeler toughness and the first Steeler to have his number retired.